UK Government Urged To Appoint A Philanthropy Champion By The Law Family Commission For Civil Society

• Published date: 29 June 2022
• Subject Matter: orporate/Commercial Law, Charities & Non-Profits
• Law Firm: Withers LLP
• Author: Ms Hannah Brearley

The Law Family Commission on Civil Society has recommended the appointment of a 'Philanthropy Champion' within government to act as a "gateway" between the Civil Service and the philanthropy sector. This recommendation comes from the report "Seizing the philanthropic prize: The role of the UK government in growing philanthropy" which discusses how better collaboration between the private sector, government, and the philanthropy sector would not only strength and support the charity sector but also "actively help" the government to achieve its goals.

Although the Civil Service currently has approximately one -third of its time dedicated to philanthropy, it has been criticised for not having a coordinated approach across departments to utilise philanthropy on a national scale. The report recommends the appointment of a senior civil servant as 'Philanthropy Champion' who would have responsibility for "driving forwards the UK's approach to philanthropy" and envisages knowledge sharing (at lunch and learn" sessions as well as by using staff secondments), guidance, and training...